Mayor says city “hitting” 15-point agenda targets despite pandemic

24 September 2021 – Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city government is “surprisingly hitting” its 15-point agenda targets towards achieving good governance despite the continuous onslaught of the coronavirus-2019 pandemic and arrival of its more infectious Delta variant in the Summer Capital.

Formulated a few months after he took office as the city’s Chief Executive in 2019, the agenda includes speeding up government action; revitalizing the environment; innovating peace and order; aggressive traffic management; responsive education program; empowering the youth; expanding health and social services; responsible tourism; enlivened culture, arts, crafts and heritage.

It also pushes for market modernization; efficient disaster management; empowered and accountable barangay governance; strengthened livelihood and entrepreneurial services; unemployment reduction; and resolution of indigenous people’s land claims.

In a media forum, September 23, at City Hall, the Mayor cited major projects that are either completed or ongoing in the realization of the agenda like the clean-up of rivers traversing the city; solving the traffic problem; road widening and recovering roads right of way.

An intermodal transport terminal is also in the pipeline; the planned Market Development since he says residents deserve a modern market; digitalization program with the recent launching of the Smart City Command Center and planned setting up of a Digitalization Center; livelihood programs with the support of local entrepreneurs; and more.

Funding for the various multi-million peso projects come mostly from outside sources thru the efforts of the Mayor.

“Despite some glitches and obstacles, I am happy to say that we are on the right track in reaching our 15-point agenda targets,” he said. – Gaby B. Keith